Shrubs for an empty garden

[Confitdecanard]

I'm a complete gardening novice and was hoping for some advice. We have a longish south-westerly facing rectangular shaped garden that, aside from a small patio and shed close to the house and some decking at the far end, is entirely laid to lawn.

I would like (I think) to plant some shrubs. I don't want anything too tall as the views from the end of the garden are great and I want to be able to see them from the house. Ideally I would like a selection to give interest at different times of the year. I don't want anything poisonous and low maintenance would also be good. What do you recommend?

Have a think about how much direct sun there is in that bit of the garden too. Some of those shrubs are happiest in full sun, others will be fine pretty much anywhere. I'm sure we can help more with that.

pleased my technical description helped plug dogwood!

Perhaps it is worth bearing in mind that a good variety of shrubs should incorporate - architectural plants chosen for their shape rather than flowers eg Fatsia, cordylines and New Zealand flax, conifers. Perfumed plants - roses, honeysuckle, Saracoccus (?). Evergreens to provide extra structure in the winter. Climbers to soften the fencing etc. This should provide interest all year round.